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We encourage people to share how their faith tradition does or does
not facilitate advocating for animals and/or vegetarianism. Contact
CVA@ChristianVeg.org with your observations. CVA member Sophia writes:

Within the Orthodox tradition there are certain "authorities" (e.g.,
Church Fathers) who are quite clear in viewing respectful treatment of
animals and vegan eating as absolutely Scripturally based. Thus, within
the Orthodox tradition the view that the Bible supports veganism is not
a novel interpretation of Scripture, even though there may be resistance
to it and even though there may be competing views. Also, nearly half
the days of the year are designated in Orthodox tradition as fasting
days where abstinence from all animal products--veganism--is prescribed.

This passage includes Jesus’ well-known saying, “For God sent the Son
into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be
saved through him.” I think this passage offers several insights
relevant to those who (with strong Biblical support) believe that we as
Christians are called to be responsible stewards of God’s Creation.

This verse points us away from the notion that God is focused on
meting out harsh punishment for sin and points us toward a notion of a
loving God loves who cares about creation. Significantly, the Son is
sent to save “the world,” not just humanity. The world includes God’s
creatures and God’s good earth, and this verse argues strongly against
the human-centered, self-serving worldview articulated by many Christian
leaders.

The world has always needed salvation, because outside the Garden of
Eden there is pain, suffering, and death. God’s assistance will be
necessary before there can be an age when “death shall be no more”
(Revelation 21:4), but it seems that our help is needed for this to
happen. The need for salvation of the earth has never been greater than
now, because of the growing environmental crisis that threatens great
harm to God’s Creation, and which might destroy human civilization as we
know it.